WR Keenan Allen reveals future plans with Chargers
A new era is about to begin in Los Angeles since the Chargers named Jim Harbaugh their new head coach. But a change in coaching regime could mean several changes to the roster.
That's why many have speculated if veteran WR Keenan Allen will still be with the team in 2024. He has since revealed what he believes will happen.
"[Harbaugh] just wants me to continue to be a leader, continue to be who I am and he's going to do his job," Allen told NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. "I don't see myself going anywhere."
That's great news for Chargers fans hoping the 31-year-old would return next season. Allen is still playing at a very high level, posting a career-high 108 catches for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023.
However, he does carry a cap hit of $34.71M, per Spotrac. If Los Angeles were to move on from him, it would save $23.1M.
That doesn't seem like it's going to happen as of now, but the team will have to do something to bring that number down. The Chargers are projected to be $45.8M over the cap in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus.
Unless Allen takes a pay cut, which feels unlikely, an extension would be the next step. Extending Allen could push the money into future years, giving Los Angeles more room to work with in a very important offseason.
Harbaugh is surely trying to put his mark on the team, so having as much salary cap space for him to do that should be at the top of the list.
The Chargers have continuously underachieved for years while having one of the more talented rosters in the league. Allen knows it's time to put up or shut up.
"We're going to continue to compete, do what we do and put some better results out there," Allen said.
Los Angeles has quite an intriguing offseason ahead and Allen will be an important piece to the team's future.
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